Guillen Puts Winning Above Starting

FORT LAUDERDALE — Ozzie Guillen, after 12 major-league seasons, faces a change in teams and roles in 1998, and he isn't fazed by either.

Guillen, 34, is moving to the Baltimore Orioles from the Chicago White Sox. He'll also be a backup rather than a starter.

``I've had 600 at-bats and not won anything,'' Guillen said. ``I'll be happy to have 20 at-bats and have a chance to win it all. I used to play every day, but now I'm not going to play every day.''

There's a good chance that Guillen's streak of 13 consecutive Opening Day starts, the longest streak among American League shortstops, will be broken, but the three-time All-Star knows what kind of lineup he's trying to crack.

``It's the best infield in baseball,'' Guillen said of Cal Ripken at third base, Mike Bordick at shortstop, Roberto Alomar at second base and Rafael Palmeiro at first base. ``If I can't be in the lineup everyday, this is the best place to be a backup.''

Guillen and Jeff Reboulet are in camp as backup infielders. If Alomar's rehabilitation from shoulder surgery isn't complete by Opening Day, Guillen's value would escalate.

Guillen hit .245 in 1997 with 59 runs and 52 RBI. He has a lifetime batting average of .265 with an on-base percentage of .286. He has had fewer than 400 at-bats once and more than 25 walks once.

``I played with 30 second basemen in Chicago,'' Guillen said. ``I know how to play the position. I hope that I know how to play third base.''

Manager Ray Miller isn't sure whether he will carry a 12th pitcher or a second backup infielder, but Guillen could make the choice easier.

``The 12th pitcher can give you a certain comfort zone,'' Miller said. ``It's especially good at home when you need somebody to eat some innings in a blowout. On an older club like ours, the extra infielder can help you keep people fresh, and he ensures that you can play your first backup infielder.''

Guillen hopes to have the type of spring that will shape the manager's decision in his favor.

``I want to make a good impression on the manager,'' Guillen said. ``I wanted to be where people wanted me. They showed me that they wanted me and explained the situation to me.''

Miller was clear that Bordick is his shortstop, and Reboulet is his first backup infielder. Still, he likes the idea of having a player with Guillen's experience, ability and knowledge on the team.

``Ozzie would be an asset to any club,'' Miller said, ``because he loves the game. He wants to play, and he knows how to win. You can never have too many of those type players.''

Guillen said he likes the Orioles' organization, the city and the fans.

``I played against them for so many years,'' Guillen said. ``I just want to help the team win. I'll be the first one out of the dugout when someone gets a big hit or makes a big play.''

Guillen said bench play is ``the difference in any championship team. I don't know how Cal does it. This team has more guys who play every day than most, but even they need a break. When they do, I'll be ready to go.

``I wanted a chance to win, and they have one. This could be the best team in baseball, and I want to do what I can to see that it is.''

Alomar faces pitching

Alomar, as he continues to rehabilitate from left shoulder surgery, faced live pitching from the left side. ``It was a very big step for me,'' Alomar said. He said progress from the right side was slower. Miller said Alomar ``was smooth and impressive.'' There was no indication when he might try the right side. . . . Miller is concerned about CF Brady Anderson's nagging groin injury. ``You always worry about Brady because he plays so hard,'' Miller said. . . . LHP Jesse Orosco was back in camp after visiting his ill mother.